The original podcast for bootstrapped and mostly bootstrapped startups, this show follow the stories of founders as they start, acquire, and grow SaaS companies. Hear when they fail, struggle, succeed, and take you with them through the tumultuous life of a SaaS founder. If you like Mixergy, This Week in Startups, or SaaStr, you’ll enjoy Startup for the Rest of Us.
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The original podcast for bootstrapped and mostly bootstrapped startups, this show follow the stories of founders as they start, acquire, and grow SaaS companies. Hear when they fail, struggle, succeed, and take you with them through the tumultuous life of a SaaS founder. If you like Mixergy, This Week in Startups, or SaaStr, you’ll enjoy Startup for the Rest of Us.
Episode 808 | A $500k "Step 1" Business, When to Consider SOC2, and More Listener Questions
Startups For the Rest of Us
29 minutes 45 seconds
2 days ago
Episode 808 | A $500k "Step 1" Business, When to Consider SOC2, and More Listener Questions
Is it time to sell, autopilot, or double down on your plateaued SaaS business?
In this episode, Rob Walling tackles listener questions and shares practical frameworks for what to do when your product hits a plateau, explains why “autopilot” often leads to decline, and outlines when founders should seriously consider SOC 2 compliance. Rob also talks about balancing a startup with a newborn, the real value of open source and IP, and the risks and rewards of building MVPs in exchange for equity.
Want to get your question answered? Drop it here.
Episode Sponsor:
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As a listener, you get the first 20 hours of development free when you mention the podcast.
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Topics we cover:
(2:34) – What to do with a plateaued $500k B2C app
(4:28) – Founder motivation, business longevity, and the myth of autopilot
(13:15) – Should you offer MVP development in exchange for equity?
(14:04) – Equity risks, upside, and how to protect yourself
(18:00) – When SOC2 compliance actually matters for founders
(21:08) – Balancing a new baby, a job, and SaaS ambitions
(24:38) – Can open source IP help bootstrappers stand out?
(25:25) – Why differentiation and marketing matter more than patents or code
Links from the Show:
Discretion Capital – M&A Advisory for B2B SaaS with $2-25m ARR
MicroConf Connect
TinySeed SaaS Institute
If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!
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Startups For the Rest of Us
The original podcast for bootstrapped and mostly bootstrapped startups, this show follow the stories of founders as they start, acquire, and grow SaaS companies. Hear when they fail, struggle, succeed, and take you with them through the tumultuous life of a SaaS founder. If you like Mixergy, This Week in Startups, or SaaStr, you’ll enjoy Startup for the Rest of Us.
